Body supporting apparatus



Sept. 27, 1966 M. KAHLLO 3,274,618

BODY SUPPORTING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 24, 1963 2 SheetsShee 1 INVENTOR. Mar KoW/o ATTORN EY Sept. 27, 1966 M. KAHLLO 3,274,618

BODY SUPPORTING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 24, 1963 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 3 M7. INVENTOR.

Mar NOW/0 BY P ATTORNEY.

3,274,618 Patented Sept. 27, I966 3,274,618 BODY SUPPQRTING APPARATUS Mary Kahllo, 620 W. Paterson Sta, Kalamazoo, Mich. Filed Get. 24, 1963, Ser. No. 318,664 6 Claims. (Cl. 4112) This invention relates to body supporting apparatus.

The main objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a body supporting apparatus adapted to be used in beds and the like which has a wide range of adjustment.

Second, to provide a supporting apparatus which may be adjusted to use position with little stress on the person to be supported.

Third, to provide an apparatus of this character and having these advantages which is compact when collapsed and which may be quickly erected or adjusted to use position and to collapsed position with little effort on the part of the operator.

Fourth, to provide a structure having these advantages which, while strong and rigid when erected, is of relatively light weight and compact when collapsed for handling and storage.

Fifth, to provide a structure having these several advantages which is economical to produce and at the same time is strong and durable.

Objects relating to details and economies of the invention will appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined and pointed out in the claims.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a body support member embodying my invention in erected position positioned upon a mattress, fragments of which are shown, a bed pan being conventionally shown in supported use position.

FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of the apparatus in erected position.

FIG. 3 is an end view from the right of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the apparatus in collapsed position.

FIG. 5 is a central longitudinal section with the apparatus in erected position or body supporting position in full lines and in collapsed position by dotted lines.

FIG. 6 is a corresponding longitudinal sectional with the body support portion in collapsed position in full lines and in erected position on dotted lines.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary view on a line corresponding to line 7-7 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary view illustrating certain of the parts in collapsed position.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view on a line corresponding to line 99 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary view on line Iii-10 of FIG. 1.

In the accompanying drawing I have illustrated a de' sirable embodiment of my invention. A mattress is represented by the numeral 1 but it will be understood that in use the invention is designed to be used on a bed upon which the patient is disposed with the usual mattress covering.

The base member designated generally by the numeral 2 is formed of rod stock and has substantially parallel side bars 3 connected at their front ends by the crosspiece 4 formed integrally therewith.

The side bars are further connected by the crosspiece 5 desirably of rod stock disposed in the plane of the side pieces and with its ends fixedly secured thereto, the securing means not being illustrated but it is desirably by welds. The side bars 3 are further connected by the crosspiece 6 of substantial width disposed adjacent to but in forwardly spaced relation to the rear ends of the side bars by rivets or welds conventionally illustrated at 7.

The support member designated generally by the numeral 9 is also desirably formed of rod stock and comprises parallel side bars 10 connected at their rear ends by the crosspiece 11 desirably formed integral therewith. These side bars 10 are provided with downturned eyes 12 which pivotally engage the crossbar 4 connecting the front ends of the base member side bars 3. The support member is of substantially greater length than the base member.

The upwardly facing U-shaped strut 13 is provided with eyes 14 at the upper ends of its arm portions which engage the loop-like offset 15 in the side bars 10 and the bight portion 16 of this U-shaped strut is offset from the arms to provide downwardly projecting lug portions 17 which are disposed at the outer sides of the base member when the parts are in erected position, preventing lateral swinging movement of the strut.

When in erected position the bight portion of the strut is selectively engageable with the keepers 8 to tiltably adjustably support the support member. When in erected use position a bed pan, conventionally illustrated at 18, may be positioned with the inner portion thereof supportedly mounted on the crosspiece 6, see FIG. 1, and it can be introduced and removed between the upwardly projecting portions of the strut or sidewise of the support if the strut is adjusted to sufiicient height to receive the same.

In the embodiment illustrated the supporting panel 19 is disposed upon and detachably mounted on the support member side bars by means of the springable clips 20, four clips being illustrated in this embodiment of applicants invention. The clips are fixedly secured to the underside of the panel 19 and clampingly engage the side bars 10. The support member is provided with an opening 21 extending from its inner end and disposed centrally thereof, desirably shaped as is illustrated, and providing support portions 22 at the sides of the opening.

In the embodiment illustrated I provide a cover sheet 23 disposed upon and fixedly secured to the supporting panel desirably covering the supporting panel throughout and being desirably adhesively secured thereto. The sup porting panel is formed of sheet metal stock with this panel disposed thereon, or it may be formed of thermoplastic material. With the support unit detachably mounted by means of the clips 20 it may be removed from the supporting frame to facilitate cleaning as may be desirable.

The cover element 23 is provided with a downwardly projecting flange-like portion 24 which projects into the inner end portion of the opening in the supporting panel and is desirably of such width that it depends into the opening in the bed pan.

In the accompanying drawings I have not attempted to illustrate the connection for the covering 23 to the supporting panel 19 but it is desirably bonded thereto throughout so that the two parts constitute a unitary element and, as stated, the supporting panel may be formed as a single piece of stock.

With the parts thus arranged the structure may be formed of relatively light stock so it is convenient to handle and may be economically produced, rod stock being desirably used in the forming of the base member except for the crosspiece 6 and the panel covering 23. When collapsed the structure is compact and may be conveniently handled and is also easily adjusted to use position. I

I have illustrated and described my invention in a highly practical commercial embodiment thereof. I have not attempted to illustrate various modifications and adaptations as it is believed that this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody or adapt the invention as may be desired.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A body supporting apparatus adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface and comprising, a base member formed of rod stock having laterally spaced substantially parallel side bars fixedly connected at their front ends by a crosspiece aligned therewith, a rear crosspiece fixedly secured to said side bars adjacent to but in forwardly spaced relation to their rear ends, the side bars at the rear of said crosspiece having a plurality of upwardly facing notch like keepers, an adjustable body support member formed of rod stock and comprising a pair of laterally spaced and substantially parallel side bars connected at their rear ends by a crosspiece said support member side bars having eyes at their front ends pivotally engaging said crosspiece at the front end of said base member, said support member side bars being of a length substantially exceeding the length of said base member side bars and having oflsets therein spaced forwardly from said handle, an upwardly facing U-shaped supporting strut for said body support member, the arms of which terminate in eyes hingedly engaged with said offsets of said support member side bars, its bight portion being inwardly offset and being selectively engageable with said keepers on said base member side bars when the support member is in erected position, said strut being adjustable to erected and to a collapsed position in which it is mainly disposed between said base member and said support member, and a user supporting panel supportedly and detachably mounted on said body support member side bars with portions thereof projecting laterally therefrom, said supporting panel terminating at its rear end in forwardly spaced relation to said strut and having an opening therein extending forwardly from its rear end, and having means facilitating the positioning of a bedpan relative to said opening.

2. A body supporting apparatus adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface and comprising, a base member formed of rod stock having laterally spaced substantially parallel side bars connected at their front ends by a crosspiece aligned therewith, a rear crosspiece of substantial width disposed upon and fixedly secured to said side bars adjacent to but in forwardly spaced relation to their rear ends, the side bars at the rear of said crosspiece having a plurality of upwardly facing notch like keepers, an adjustable body support member formed of rod stock and comprising a pair of laterally spaced and substantially parallel side bars connected at their rear ends by a crosspiece, said support side bars having eyes at their front ends pivotally engaging said crosspiece at the front end of said base member,'said support member side bars being of a length substantially exceeding the length of said base member side bars and having upwardly projecting offsets therein spaced forwardly from the rear ends thereof, an upwardly facing U-shaped supporting strut for said body support member, the arms of which terminate in eyes hingedly engaged with said offsets of said support member side bars, its bight portion being inwardly offset and being selectively engageable with said keepers on said base member side bars for adjustably supporting said body support member in erected position, said strut being also adjustable to a collapsed position in which it is mainly disposed between said base member and said support member, and a user supporting panel supportedly mounted on said body support member side bars for adjustment therewith and with portions thereof projecting laterally therefrom, said supporting panel terminating at its rear end in forwardly spaced relation to said strut and having an opening therein extending forwardly from its rear end, and a' depending bedpan positioning member.

3'. A body supporting apparatus adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface and comprising, a base member formed of rod stock having laterally spaced substantially parallel side bars connected at their front ends by a crosspiece aligned therewith, a rear crosspiece of substantial width disposed upon and fixedly secured to said side bars adjacent to but in forwardly spaced relation to their rear ends, the side bars at the rear of said crosspiece having a plurality of upwardly facing notch like keepers, an adjustable body support member formed of rod stock and comprising a pair of laterally spaced and substantially parallel side bars connected at their 'rear ends by a crosspiece, said support side bars having eyes at their front ends pivotally engaging said crosspiece at the front end of said base member, said support member side bars being of a length substantially exceeding the length of said base member side bars and having upwardly projecting offsets therein spaced forwardly from the rear ends thereof, an upwardly facing U-shaped supporting strut for said body support member, the arms of which terminate in eyes hingedly engaged with said offsets of said support member side bars, its bight portion being selectively engageable with said keepers on said base member side bars for adjustably supporting said body support member in erected position, and a user supporting panel supportedly mounted on said body support member side bars for adjustment therewith, said supporting panel having an opening therein extending forwardly from its rear end, and a depending bedpan positioning member.

4. A body supporting apparatus adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface and comprising, a base member formed of rod stock having laterally spaced substantially parallel side bars connected at their front ends by a crosspiece aligned therewith, a rear crosspiece of substantial width disposed upon and fixedly secured to said side "bars adjacent to but in forwardly spaced relation to their rear ends, the side bars at the rear of said crosspiece having a plurality of upwardly facing notch like keepers, an adjustable body support member formed of rod stock and comprising a pair of laterally spaced and substantially parallel side bars connected at their rear ends by a crosspiece, said support side bars having eyes at their front ends pivotally engaging said crosspiece at the front end of said base member, an upwardly facing U-shaped supporting strut for said body support member, the arms of which terminate in eyes hingedly engaged with said offsets of said support member side bars, its bight portion being selectively engageable with said keepers on said base member side bars for adjustably supporting said body support member in erected position, and a user supporting panel supportedly mounted on said body support member side bars for adjustment therewith, said supporting panel having an opening therein extending forwardly from its rear end, and a depending bedpan positioning member.

5. A body supporting apparatus adapted to be positioned on a supporting surface and comprising, a base member including laterally spaced substantially parallel side bars, there being a crosspiece fixedly connected to the front end of said side bars, a rear crosspiece fixedly connecting the rear end portions of said side bars, said side bars having a plurality of upwardly facing keepers spaced rearwardly from their front ends, an adjustable body support member comprising laterally spaced substantially parallel side bars fixedly connected at their rear end, said support member side bars being pivotally connected to said base member side bars at their front ends and substantially in the plane thereof, a supporting strut for said body support member hingedly connected to said body support member and selectively engageable with the keepers provided therefor on said base member side bars, said strut being adjustable to erected and to collapsed positions and when in collapsed position being mainly disposed between said base member and said support member, anda body supporting unit supportedly u d OIL said support member, said body supporting unit having an opening therein for the purpose specified, and means facilitating the positioning of a bedpan relative to said opening.

6. A body support member comprising, a unitary base member including laterally spaced fixedly connected members, a body support member including laterally spaced side members swingably connected at their front ends on said base member for tilting swinging adjustment relative thereto, said connecting means being substantially in the plane of said base members, strut means adjustably connected to one of said members to collapse between said members, the member to which said strut means is not connected having a plurality of keepers with which said strut means may be selectively engaged to support said body support member in an erected position, and a form retaining body supporting panel disposed upon said support member for adjustment therewith and having an opening therein for the purpose specified,

said body member supporting panel having depending means facilitating the positioning of a receptacle relative to said opening.

References Cited by the Examiner LAVERNE D. GEIGER, Primary Examiner.

H. ARTIS, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A BODY SUPPORTING APPARATUS ADAPTED TO BE POSITIONED ON A SUPPORTING SURFACE AND COMPRISING, A BASE MEMBER FORMED OF ROD STOCK HAVING LATERALLY SPACED SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL SIDE BARS FIXEDLY CONNECTED AT THEIR FRONT ENDS BY A CROSSPIECE ALIGNED THEREWITH, A REAR CROSSPIECE FIXEDLY SECURED TO SAID SIDE BARS ADJACENT TO BUT IN FORWARDLY SPACED RELATION TO THEIR REAR ENDS, THE SIDE BARS AT THE REAR OF SAID CROSSPIECE HAVING A PLURALITY OF UPWARDLY FACING NOTCH LIKE KEEPERS, AN ADJUSTABLE BODY SUPPORT MEMBER FORMED OF ROD STOCK AND COMPRISING A PAIR OF LATERALLY SPACED AND SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL SIDE BARS CONNECTED AT THEIR REAR ENDS BY A CROSSPIECE SAID SUPPORT MEMBER SIDE BARS HAVING EYES AT THEIR FRONT ENDS PIVOTALLY ENGAGING SAID CROSSPIECE AT THE FRONT ENDS SAID BASE MEMBER, SAID SUPPORT MEMBER SIDE BARS BEING OF A LENGTH SUBSTANTIALLY EXCEEDING THE LENGTH OF SAID BASE MEMBER SIDE BARS AND HAVING OFFSETS THEREIN SPACED FORWARDLY FROM SAID HANDLE, AN UPWARDLY FACING U-SHAPED SUPPORTING STRUT FOR SAID BODY SUPPORT MEMBER, THE ARMS OF WHICH TERMINATE IN EYES HINGEDLY ENGAGED WITH SAID OFFSETS OF SAID SUPPORT MEMBER SIDE BARS, ITS BIGHT PORTION BEING INWARDLY OFFSET AND BEING SELECTIVELY ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID KEEPERS ON SAID BASE MEMBER SIDE BARS WHEN THE SUPPORT MEMBER IS IN ERECTED POSITION, SAID STRUCT BEING ADJUSTABLE TO ERECTED AND TO A COLLAPSED POSITION IN WHICH IT IS MAINLY DISPOSED BETWEEN SAID BASE MEMBER AND SAID SUPPORT MEMBER, AND A USER SUPPORTING PANEL SUPPORTEDLY AND DETACHABLY MOUNTED ON SAID BODY SUPPORT MEMBER SIDE BARS WITH PORTIONS THEREOF PROJECTING LATERALLY THEREFROM, SAID SUPPORTING PANEL TERMINATING AT ITS REAR END IN FORWARDLY SPACED RELATION TO SAID STRUT AND HAVING AN OPENING THEREIN EXTENDING FORWARDLY FROM ITS REAR END, AND HAVING MEANS FACILITATING THE POSITIONING OF A BEDPAN RELATIVE TO SAID OPENING. 